ASBURY PARK – Anyone acquainted with Mark Kinmon knew he ran 10 miles each day to stay in shape. On Friday, he marked his last mile as Chief of Police in the city when he packed up his desk for retirement.

Kinmon isn't set to retire until September and will do so after 24 years with the department. The chief, 46, was hired as a city patrolman in 1990. He served in the detective bureau and was promoted to Chief in 2007.

Kinmon started a career in law enforcement at age 20, joining the Monmouth County Sheriff's Department where he stayed for about two years before hitting the city streets.

On Friday, Kinmon's desk phone went to voicemail and his work cell phone — used so often by the media to get a scoop — was disconnected.

In recent days, co-workers said Kinmon had traded his neatly pressed white uniform shirt with the single gold star on the lapel for more casual attire: shorts, sandals and a t-shirt.

It was clear. No doubt. This time: Chief of Police Mark Kinmon was leaving.

Anyone who had a chance to say goodbye, or watch Kinmon clean out his small — but meticulous and organized cherrywood desk — knew this was the last mile.

Kinmon was expected initially to retire at the end of 2013, but ultimately decided to stay in the post. He first rescinded his retirement in September and later decided to move ahead, according to city officials.

But after a month-long vacation, he contacted the Asbury Park Press last year to say he would remain police chief. At the time, he did not indicate how much longer he would be with the police department. He said he remained then because the community had encouraged him to stay and he enjoyed leading the department.

Sgt. Terry Williams, currently head of the city's Community Relations Unit established under Kinmon, worked in the detective bureau when Kinmon was the captain in charge. He was one of many who shook hands with Kinmon before Friday. He said the chief will be missed.

"To me, Chief Kinmon led by example. If you had to sum it up, we're just all sad to see him go. Chief Kinmon is one of the really good guys. He has served Asbury Park well. We all realize that he is entering another phase of his life. We all wish him nothing but the best," said Williams who worked with Kinmon 17 years.

Deputy Chief Anthony Salerno, who will temporarily assume the full duties of the Police Chief, said Kinmon will be remembered best for creating a link between the department and the community.

Kinmon revamped the department, started the school resource program, re-instituted the police explorer program and the summer bootcamp for kids, and bolstered the community relations program for the department, Salerno said.

"He was a level-headed, knowledgeable and hardworking chief. He truely was an example of the police department and someone who was as effective as chief as he was a good guy," Salerno said.

And on Friday, Chief of Police Mark Kinmon locked the door to his office at 1 Municipal Plaza one last time — and began the next 10-mile run in his life.